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Welcome to
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation Website
making a difference to the lives of people with severe learning disabilities
Registered charity no. 1060714
Images of children with severe learning disabilities

Wales - Introduction

At the Challenging Behaviour Foundation we often hear from parents concerned about the future security of their sons and daughters. Whether they are leaving children's services to move to adult services, or whether they are already in an adult placement but it is no longer suitable for them or is on the verge of breaking down, often there doesn't seem to be any service locally that can meet their needs. Frequently families find themselves offered out-of-area placements that may be hundreds of miles away from their relatives and community, and they may not be able to access the life opportunities that most adults take for granted, like college courses or employment.

However, there is another option. My son Daniel from the age of 9 was placed at a residential school over 250 miles away as there were no local services which could manage his challenging behaviour. As he approached transition we started asking why we couldn't have a specialist service close to his family. Daniel is now 21 years old. He lives less than 5 miles from our family home. His new service provides accommodation, support and a Further Education college course.

Daniel's transition service was the product of a great deal of hard work and effort. We are now starting the process of developing an adult service specifically for him, and again we do not expect this to be quick or easy. But we need to make the processes for developing local individualised services much easier. Information is the key, and this pack has been put together so that you do not have to do this on your own.

Parents of children or adults with severe learning disabilities and challenging behaviour should be able to face the future in the knowledge that their sons and daughters support needs can be met and their future can be secure, safe and fulfilled. Support and information is available to help you achieve this for your son/daughter.

Vivien Cooper
Mother of Daniel
& Chair of Trustees
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation